Beautiful But Underestimated Weekend Getaways From Chennai

Shot this picture from Airplane. Checked in at airport 1.5 hours prior to the flight to get the last window side seat along the flight path.
Kathipara Junction is an important road junction in Chennai, India. It is located at Alandur, (St.Thomas Mount), south of Guindy, at the intersection of the Grand Southern Trunk Road (NH 45), Inner Ring Road, Anna Salai and the Poonamallee Road. Kathipara flyover is the largest Cloverleaf flyover. (Source Wikipedia)

For a person living in a booming city like Chennai, weekend getaways are a must. With today’s hectic work schedule and fast paced lifestyle, it gets necessary for small breathers. The most famous weekend getaways from Chennai can get real crowded sometimes, in such a case take a look at some of the underestimated weekend getaways to entice your senses.

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, has a booming economy with millions earning their livelihood in the metropolitan. While the work can get real hectic sometimes, it’s better to take some time out to rejuvenate your minds and get back at it with stronger will. While the majority of people staying in Chennai would go for famous destinations like Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Ooty or Bengaluru; there are few undermined places which are equally alluring. Let’s take a look at some of these fantastic weekend getaways near Chennai.

Thottada – The calm, windy beaches of Thottada could be the view you’ve been wanting to see. Situated on a confluence where the backwater meets the ocean, this quaint village is a great place to relax. The best way to travel the village is through a boat, which brings your closer to the slow life of the village, often leaving your wondering about your schedule in the city. Thottada is coming up as a cool spot for campers and you wouldn’t see much of hotels in here. Several tourists coming from other parts of the country can take up easy, budgeted accommodation options like Oyo rooms in Chennai and then embark on their journey.

Silent Valley – Lying in the Nilgiri Range with meandering Kunthi river, is the forested area known as Silent Valley. It is a haven for wildlife and adventure enthusiasts who want to get away from the clutter of the city and to spend some alone time surrounded by the beauty of nature. Counted as one of the densest forests in the world, the majority of flora is evergreen. Along with the surreal green cover, you can also enjoy the company of wild animals like elephants, macaque, the Malabar giant squirrel, leopards, wild buffaloes and more. You can sign up for a guided tour of the valley and explore a wide variety of herbs and animal species. Definitely exciting than watching National Geographic on Sundays.

Thekkekadu – Lying on the northern part of Kerala, Thekkekadu is a beautiful town blessed with excessive natural beauty. This little village-town lies in the famous backwaters of Kerala and drives its economy through fishing. The laid-back atmosphere with swaying coconut trees and green surroundings will refresh your mind to the core. It’s one of those few places, where you feel like lying on a hammock, turning your pages through a good book and sipping some fresh drink.

Kozhikode – Formerly known as Calicut, this historically significant small town is not just made for history buffs. Once an important point in the trade route which connected traders from Arabia and Europe, this town lies at the unique point adjoining the Western Ghats with the Arabian Sea.

Though many tourists pass by Kozhikode for its popular neighbour Kodaikanal, the city still has some marvels like Kaladalundi Bird Sanctuary, Beypore Shipping Yard, Mananchira Square and is the birthplace of ancient martial art form, Kalari Payattu.

If you wish to enjoy these astounding weekend getaways, it is important to make proper travel arrangements beforehand. There are a lot of budget hotels in Chennai, if you’re planning for a short stay. Though there are several other attractive destinations near Chennai, visiting these unexplored places will be a memorable life experience.